Bengtson’s loan to Belgrano designed to get forward more regular playing time

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Jerry Bengtson wants to play more regularly. The New England Revolution wants Jerry Bengtson to play more regularly. Neither side saw that happening in New England.

At its core, that’s the primary reason Bengtson has been sent on a year-long loan to Argentine club Belgrano according to Revolution General Manager Michael Burns.

“Belgrano had shown some interest on a loan, so we thought it was a good opportunity for him to go and hopefully get a chance to play more regularly for them,” Burns said. “So we’ll loan him out for the year.

“We won’t recall him during that time. It’s to try to get him situated and acclimated and playing for a team regularly over the next 12 months. That’s not to say that it couldn’t be revisited during the 12 months, but on both sides, it’s to get him there for the season and to hopefully play. Then we’ll revisit it.”

Bengtson made a splash when he signed with the Revs as a Designated Player two years ago, scoring on his debut and notching another goal in his fifth appearance. But he’s struggled since, totaling just four goals in 36 MLS appearances. He had one goal in seven appearances (one start) this season.

Burns – who noted that Bengtson still has multiple years remaining on his MLS deal – said all parties will consider how to move forward when the loan expires on June 30, 2015, leaving open the possibility of a permanent move to Argentina or a return to Foxborough.

“We’ll revisit it, he’ll revisit it and Belgrano will revisit it in 12 months,” Burns said. “Is there a chance that he could end up being transferred there? Sure. But there’s also a chance that he could be back here playing for us next summer.”

More immediately, however, Bengtson’s loan does currently free up another roster spot as the Revs look to make additions to strengthen the group this transfer window. Burns emphasized that the Revs already had open roster spots prior to making this move, noting that the Revs are engaged in ongoing discussions with multiple targets.